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A large fragment of a 19th century Burano needle lace collar. Approximately 18 inches long, 7 inches at the deepest part.
An especially good study fragment because of the many clues it contains.
A part of the fragment shows both finished edges, telling the depth of the original collar.
All of the clues -- clothwork, outline, mesh, bridges, and ornamentation, are consistent with Burano needle lace.
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 | Features of Burano Needle Lace Clothwork is of buttonhole stitch with a straight return thread in each row to add density to the clothwork.
The outline is attached with overcast or whip stitches.
The mesh is worked as an Alencon mesh would be, as loose, widely spaced buttonhole stitches with the bottom edge of each row wrapped. The thread is slightly slubby, giving the overall background a distinct hazy look.
Bridges are not used, except as ornament.
Some subtle ornamental stitching appears in the clothwork. Decorative filling stitches are used in areas of the design.

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